Social Worker IV A-D - Child Welfare Services

CWS Social Worker IV Payscale:

SW IV A $31.46 – $40.37

SW IV B $33.07 – $42.43

SW IV C $34.76 – $44.60

SW IV D $36.54 – $46.88

Social Worker IV is the highest classification in the Social Worker series. Incumbents at the Social Worker IV, A and B range perform casework of an advanced nature in the most complex social services areas. The casework typically requires the application of high level and sophisticated social service expertise and techniques. Incumbents at the

Social Worker IV, C and D ranges additionally may perform professional level assessment, diagnosis, group, family and individual therapy, and consultation.

DUTY STATEMENT – SOCIAL WORKER, A and B
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs case studies for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types and methods of treatment
• Develops intensive long or short-term treatment plans, which require a comprehensive fund of professional knowledge with the aim of improving or restoring individual or family functioning
• Ensures all services are delivered in a respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate manner and in conformance with agency, state and federal requirements
• Acts as a casework consultant to staff members without professional training
• Functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling, protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization and research
• May perform the following specific types of counseling: marital, family inter-relationship, protective services for children or adults incapable of self-care
• Investigates and provides services to children where their physical or emotional welfare is involved such as cases of neglect, abuse, emotional or behavioral problems, physical or mental disabilities, or other health conditions involving a child's personality; unmarried parenthood; conflict in parent-child relationships; lack of proper guardianship of a child; problems in school or community relationships; inadequate child care arrangements by working parents or the absence of one parent from the home and its effects on the stability of the child's home
• Receives reports of children, dependent adults and elderly abuse; investigates allegations by conducting interviews with victims and others; assesses situations to protect vulnerable adults and children and recommends, implements and monitors alternate placement, may remove children from unsafe situations; may provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys; may be required to work on-call, may testify in court; supports witnesses and victims who must testify in court
• Assesses prospective foster and adoptive parents; matches children with adoptive/foster parents, and counsels foster and adoptive families.
• Refers clients to other staff members or to community resources for direct and intensive services and specialized counseling; advocates on clients behalf for most appropriate services including enabling services
• Coordinates and directly monitors family visitations to assess progress toward the case plan goals
• Interprets and explains rules, regulations and policies to clients and applicants
• Maintains casework records and handles relevant correspondence
• Develops and prepares court report, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systems
• Operates a personal computer and other office equipment; enters and retrieves data and narratives from automated computer systems
• Prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers
• Communicates effectively with clients and others in writing, in person, and over the telephone
• Analyzes data, interprets directions, procedures and regulations, and develops appropriate responses
• Performs job duties under stressful conditions and emergency situations
• Responds appropriately to situations
• Maintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
• Performs related duties as assigned

DUTY STATEMENT – SOCIAL WORKER IV C
In addition to the duties of the Social Worker IV B, Social Worker IV C typical duties
include:

• Mental health evaluation of parents and/or children including, but not limited to, parenting assessments and bonding assessments
• Individual, group, or family treatment for children and/or parents
• Participation in case conferences and consultation with social work staff to review cases and recommend service plans, rehabilitative services and case management options
• Participation as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team providing clinical input related to diagnosis and service plans for children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED)
• Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) related activities of Social Worker IVs at the C level are performed under clinical supervision of a BBS licensed individual with two years post licensure experience, and in accordance with Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations
• Duties are assigned to broaden and deepen professional experience in assessment, development of treatment plans, and group and individual therapy

DUTY STATEMENT – SOCIAL WORKER IV, D
In addition to the duties of the Social Worker IV B, Social Worker IV D typical duties
include:

• Clinical supervision of Social Workers with bachelor's or master's degrees and/or Associate Clinical Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist interns
• In accordance with law and/or contract with the County Mental Health Department, to provide Mental Health related services to children, adults, and families within the scope of licensure
• Provide courtroom testimony related to Department of Social Services clientele and issues
• Does program planning to develop and implement services appropriate to assisting child and adult Department of Social Services clientele
• Mental health evaluations of parents or children including but not limited to parenting assessments and bonding assessments
• Group, individual, and family psychotherapy for Department of Social Services clientele
• Participation in case conferences and consultation with non-licensed Social Worker staff for the purpose of recommending service plans, rehabilitative services and case management options

• Socio-economic conditions and trends
• Basic principles of individual and group behavior
• Current issues in the field of social welfare
• Principles of interviewing and problem-solving methodology
• Social service research methods
• Public welfare programs on the Federal, State, and local levels
• The general principles of public assistance policies and programs
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and recording of social casework
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of the public welfare agency
• Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement
• Community organizations and social problems requiring the use of public and private community resources
• Basic principles involved in the development and implementation of personality and in group processes
• Current problems and methodology in the field of public social services
• Physical and mental health and impact on personality

Ability to:

• Understand and carry out Department programs, policies, and procedures
• Obtain facts and analyze information, drawing sound conclusions
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports
• Effectively represent the Social Services Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Develop skills in interviewing people, making interpretations and recording information
• Establish and maintain client rapport of an individual basis
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship
• Work within a community setting and effectively use appropriate resources and services
• Apply the principles of child psychology and family relationships, evaluate personal and psychological factors in the child and/or family's situation

SOCIAL WORKER IV A: 

A master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or master's degree from a two year counseling program or a related field such as: Sociology, Human Services or Anthropology, from an accredited college or university.

SOCIAL WORKER IV B:

A master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or master's degree from a two year counseling program or related field such as; Sociology, Human Services or Anthropology, from an accredited college or university AND one (1) year of performing social work at the Social Worker IV A level.

Candidates who are within six (6) months of graduation with a qualifying master’s degree will be eligible to compete in the recruitment process and be placed on an eligible list. Candidates will be required to submit official transcripts for review prior to offer of a position.

SOCIAL WORKER IV C: 

A valid Intern Registration Number from the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and ability to practice as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) or Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFTI) in the State of California.

SOCIAL WORKER IV D: 

A valid license from the Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the State of California, or a valid license or waiver to practice as a Clinical Psychologist in the State of California.

One or more of the patterns of the minimum qualifications require successful completion of a specific degree. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100%   

The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate’s knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.  

Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin. 

If conditions warrant, an Experience and Education examination may be conducted in lieu of the Training and Experience examination.  Please review the Experience and Education examination information below: 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100% 

The Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the. Special care should be taken to submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.   

Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.  

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION 

A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Humboldt. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period. 

RETEST PERIOD

Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS 

Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.  

EDUCATION DOCUMENTS 

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.  

MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.  

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list. 

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. 

DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENT 

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Background check: Prior to hire, candidates must pass a background check, including a criminal records check.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

• PERS Retirement   Tier 1: 2.7%@55 prior to 7/5/12 Tier 2: 2.0%@55 post 7/6/12   Tier 3: 2.0%@62 post 1/1/13   

ABOUT HUMBOLDT COUNTY 

Humboldt County is considered by many to be the most beautiful county in California. It is located 270 miles north of San Francisco, and is an area that has densely forested, mountainous areas, as well as over 100 miles of Pacific coastline, including Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay. Humboldt County is substantially rural, with its greatest population in Eureka, where the College of the Redwoods' main campus is located, and Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt State University. It's a charming and comfortable area, known for its hundreds of structural examples of Victorian architecture and great bike culture. The county produces 20% of the total volume and 30% of the total value of all forest products produced in California. Residents and visitors enjoy the many great performances and cultural events scheduled at Cal Poly Humboldt University, as well as great restaurants, farmers markets, museums, state parks, and nature and wildlife areas. Also popular is the Ale and Spirits Trail, Redwood Coast Music Festival, and the Summer Arts and Music Fest.  

Salary : $31 - $47